Portable Device Coupon Scanning Without Network Connectivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional paper coupons are cumbersome and require network connectivity for acquisition and redemption, compromising consumer privacy and being expensive to deploy, while existing electronic coupon systems lack user control and consistency.

Innovation Solution

A method using a portable computing device with a camera and display to scan, decode, and store coupons without data connectivity, allowing users to manage and redeem coupons using built-in camera phones, which can generate information for redemption and provide alerts for expiration dates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If paper coupons are used for discount redemption, then consumers can access coupons without network connectivity, but coupons become cumbersome and require physical storage space in wallets

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupon accessibilityVSAvoidphysical storage requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical paper coupons with digital images of coupons stored in the portable device's memory. The camera captures images of paper coupons, which are then decoded and stored electronically, eliminating the need for physical storage while maintaining accessibility. Users can view and redeem coupons from their device without carrying physical copies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Ease of operation

If electronic coupons are delivered to portable devices via network, then coupon acquisition is convenient, but network connectivity is required and consumer privacy may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupon acquisition convenienceVSAvoidprivacy protection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system allows users to capture coupon images and store them locally on their portable devices before any network transmission occurs. The decoding and initial processing happen offline on the user's device, giving users control over their data. Network connectivity is only used when users voluntarily choose to transmit decoded information, rather than requiring continuous connectivity for basic coupon access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of information

If existing electronic coupon systems require network connectivity for coupon acquisition, then real-time coupon updates are possible, but deployment costs increase and user control decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupon update timelinessVSAvoidsystem deployment cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The portable device performs self-service by capturing, decoding, and storing coupon images locally without requiring network connectivity for these basic functions. The device autonomously manages the coupon lifecycle including capture, decoding, storage, and redemption preparation. Network services are optional supplements rather than requirements, significantly reducing deployment infrastructure costs while maintaining core functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Adaptability or versatility

If paper coupons are collected and carried at all times, then coupon redemption is possible, but consumers bear the burden of managing multiple coupons with different formats and expiration dates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupon redemption capabilityVSAvoidcoupon management effort

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges multiple paper coupons into a single digital repository on the portable device. All captured coupons are stored in one location with uniform digital formatting, eliminating the need to manage different physical formats. The system automatically tracks expiration dates and organizes coupons, consolidating what was previously scattered across multiple physical pieces into a single manageable digital collection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system transforms coupons from physical objects with varying dimensions, materials, and formats into uniform digital images stored in a standardized format. This parameter change from physical to digital state allows for consistent storage, retrieval, and management. Expiration date tracking is automated through digital metadata, eliminating the manual monitoring required for physical coupons.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9697507B2Method for using a camera phone to acquire, store, manage and redeem discount coupons

Publication Date: 2017.07.04 RICOH CO LTD

AI summary

A method, system and computer product for discount coupon acquisition, management and redemption. In one embodiment, the method comprises scanning a coupon with a portable computing device without establishing a data connection to the portable computing device. The method further comprises decoding a scanned image of the coupon for storage in the portable computing device, and generating information of the coupon by the portable computing device for redeeming the coupon.